The Daily Delegate

By: Cinna Joseph

Zora McCoy, a junior from the Foothills delegation, is applying for the position of 79th Youth Governor. Today we will asses her platform in a structured and digestible manner: V.O.T.E.R.S (Values, Objectives, Track record, Evidence, Representation, Substance).

Zora McCoy consistently highlights values rooted in justice, equity, grassroots leadership, honesty, and integrity. Zora’s leadership is not about saying what sounds good, but about doing what is right, even when it may not be well-received. She strongly believes that authenticity is essential to meaningful change and that true progress comes from being honest about flaws within the program and actively working to fix them. She hopes to prioritize the voices of delegates rather than top-down leadership, ensuring that the program reflects the needs of those participating in it.

Zora’s main objective is to strengthen the foundation of Youth & Government. One of her main proposals is a Delegate Help Desk at conferences, staffed by interns to provide a human, approachable resource for delegates who feel lost. She proposes legislative literacy tools, such as bill examples, so all delegates can fully understand how the program works. Zora introduced the idea of staggering caucus’ and the Agoura Caucus, centered on creating spaces where anyone can speak and collaborate. Additionally, she envisions seminars before or during conferences where delegates can workshop with peers and alumni, focusing on growth to ensure long-term success within the program.

Zora has been involved in student government since fourth grade and has held a leadership position every single year. She is deeply involved in speech and debate, reaching national-level competition as a freshman before stepping away due to integrity concerns. She later became a team captain and participated in mock trials, serving as secretary and earning MVP recognition in her second year. Beyond academics and politics, Zora has been active in theater since the age of six, currently writing, directing, and performing in a local theater group. She is also a camp counselor who loves working with younger kids, bringing creativity, energy, and mentorship into everything she does. Her willingness to stand by her values rather than compromise and her vibrant mentorship will guide her in achieving her goals of inclusivity and engagement as Youth Governor

Through structured seminars, caucus reform, mentorship opportunities, and expanded educational resources, she aims to empower delegates with both knowledge and confidence. Her Delegate Help Desk is designed to move from concept to action by creating a reliable support system within conferences. She is working to ensure that every delegate can fully participate and thrive, rather than feeling confused or excluded, by focusing on legislative literacy and peer collaboration. 

Representation is at the heart of Zora’s campaign. She is advocating for disenfranchised delegates, smaller delegations, delegates who feel lost in the program, and those who believe their goals are unattainable. She also highlights delegates who cannot afford certain aspects of Youth & Government and often feel left behind. Zora wants to build systems that uplift those who have not yet realized their full potential. Her goal is to make the program more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for everyone.

Beyond the charisma, Zora’s substance lies in her integrity and genuine passion for growth. She is not afraid to challenge the system, and she approaches leadership with both structure and creativity. Through art, poetry, music, and political commentary, she constantly finds new ways to engage others and inspire change. She understands policy and procedure while also believing in connection and possibility. She is focused on empowering delegates and creating a program where every delegate feels supported and their voices are valued.